Investigation of wire-array Z-pinches by laser probing diagnostics

Abstract

Laser diagnostics provides powerful tools for the investigation of dense Z-pinches. In this paper, wire-array Z-pinches are investigated at the 1 MA Zebra generator using laser diagnostics at different wavelengths coupled with x-ray diagnostics. Plasma dynamics during the ablation, implosion, and stagnation stages are observed by multiframe diagnostics. Cascading and nonprecursor implosions are studied in wire arrays. Ultraviolet diagnostics allows deep penetration into the Z-pinch plasma at stagnation. End-on probing reveals the complicated structure of the precursor. Strong magnetohydrodynamic instabilities are found in a dense pinch hidden in the trailing plasma. Small-scale instabilities are seen in the Z-pinch plasma with micrometer resolution. Probing of the pinch from four directions shows asymmetrical trailing plasma in some configurations of wire arrays. Faraday rotation diagnostics reveals the magnetic fields and the current distribution in the plasma of the precursor and Z-pinch. Redistribution of current in the trailing plasma is seen during kink and sausage instabilities in the stagnation stage. The formation of micropinches and hot spots in the Z-pinch is analyzed with coupled laser and x-ray diagnostics. Different laser diagnostics allow the study of Z-pinch plasmas in all stages, including fast dynamics and instabilities.

Experimental study of the magnetic field and current distribution in double-wire Z-pinch

“…The wire array Z-pinch has garnered substantial attention as an efficient source of soft x-ray radiation in laboratory settings, with various applications in high-energy physics [3][4][5]. Additionally, the magnetized plasma generated in this process is conducive to investigating many astrophysical systems and space environments [6][7][8]. * Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed.…”

Energy dissipation and efficiency of exploding stainless steel wires of various lengths and diameters

“…Scientific research on physical processes associated with wire explosions and wire plasmas include: studies on the shockwave or plasma expansion of single wires in gases and liquids, using Streak- [2], Kerr- [3] and Schlieren photography [4,5] in air and pressure measurements under water [6,7]. Further research on wire plasmas include breakdown measurements under vacuum [8] and the production of powerful x-rays using wire array implosion or Zpinch experiments [9][10][11][12]. In addition, the effect of wire preconditioning [5], 3D magneto-hydrodynamic simulation studies [13] and studies on fast ion movement at varying pressures [14] have been performed in the field of wire implosions (Z-pinch), to name only some of the recent work.…”